The News in Brief
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Prepared by Messenger Staff
Samkharadze Urges EU to Seek Explanation from Russian Government on Revocation of Visa and Flight Ban
Nikoloz Samkharadze, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, commented on the demarche and stated that the position of the European Union was already known. He emphasized that the demarche provided an opportunity for the Vice Prime Minister to explain to the ambassadors Georgia's policy, which primarily focuses on pursuing economic and security interests. Samkharadze shared these remarks with journalists.
According to Samkharadze, he believes that the European Union should demand an explanation from the Russian government regarding their decision to revoke visas and lift the flight ban at this time. He also questioned why not all Russian airlines are subject to sanctions by the European Union.
"We were already aware of the European Union's position on this matter. Regarding today's demarche, it presents a valuable opportunity for the government representative, specifically the vice-prime minister, to provide a comprehensive explanation to the ambassadors of the European Union regarding Georgia's ongoing policy and its previous implementation. It is also an opportunity to discuss the reasoning behind the decision taken by the Russian authorities.
While it may seem unusual, it is logical to demand answers from the Georgian government regarding the Russian government's decision. However, in this case, I believe it is equally important to seek answers from the Russian government regarding their timing for revoking visas and lifting the flight ban.
As a legislator and a citizen of this country, I personally find it intriguing why not all Russian airlines have been subjected to sanctions by the European Union. Perhaps this question will be addressed, and the responses provided by the ambassadors will be of great interest," stated Samkharadze.
Gia Volski Highlights Absence of Diplomatic Relations and Territorial Occupation in Georgia Amidst Demarche on Flights to Russia
Gia Volski, the First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, while speaking to reporters, highlighted the absence of diplomatic relations between Georgia and Russia, as well as the significant territorial occupation within Georgia. According to Volski, in contrast, European countries enjoy diplomatic relations with Russia and maintain extensive trade connections. Volski made these remarks in reference to the demarche presented by the ambassadors of EU member states regarding flights to Russia.
"I believe it is important to bear in mind that the resumption or suspension of flights represents a unilateral decision that establishes a particular regime. When flights are resumed and then halted, it carries the specific implication of imposing sanctions, which may have consequences. Therefore, entering into a sanctions regime in an already challenging situation... We do not even have diplomatic relations, and a significant portion of our country is occupied, unlike European countries that maintain diplomatic relations and engage in substantial trade. Hence, it is necessary to engage in discussions on this topic, and I consider it an ongoing process that requires constant consultations, including with our European partners. Let us explore how this will unfold," said Volski.
Samkharadze Urges EU to Seek Explanation from Russian Government on Revocation of Visa and Flight Ban
According to Samkharadze, he believes that the European Union should demand an explanation from the Russian government regarding their decision to revoke visas and lift the flight ban at this time. He also questioned why not all Russian airlines are subject to sanctions by the European Union.
"We were already aware of the European Union's position on this matter. Regarding today's demarche, it presents a valuable opportunity for the government representative, specifically the vice-prime minister, to provide a comprehensive explanation to the ambassadors of the European Union regarding Georgia's ongoing policy and its previous implementation. It is also an opportunity to discuss the reasoning behind the decision taken by the Russian authorities.
While it may seem unusual, it is logical to demand answers from the Georgian government regarding the Russian government's decision. However, in this case, I believe it is equally important to seek answers from the Russian government regarding their timing for revoking visas and lifting the flight ban.
As a legislator and a citizen of this country, I personally find it intriguing why not all Russian airlines have been subjected to sanctions by the European Union. Perhaps this question will be addressed, and the responses provided by the ambassadors will be of great interest," stated Samkharadze.
Gia Volski Highlights Absence of Diplomatic Relations and Territorial Occupation in Georgia Amidst Demarche on Flights to Russia
"I believe it is important to bear in mind that the resumption or suspension of flights represents a unilateral decision that establishes a particular regime. When flights are resumed and then halted, it carries the specific implication of imposing sanctions, which may have consequences. Therefore, entering into a sanctions regime in an already challenging situation... We do not even have diplomatic relations, and a significant portion of our country is occupied, unlike European countries that maintain diplomatic relations and engage in substantial trade. Hence, it is necessary to engage in discussions on this topic, and I consider it an ongoing process that requires constant consultations, including with our European partners. Let us explore how this will unfold," said Volski.